Blog by Beebe Cline

Clear the clutter and mix up materials for a contemporary spin on country decorating style

My husband and I split our time
between Chicago and Michigan. Five years ago we bought a falling down
old farmhouse on an acre about 90 minutes from Chicago and spent 3 years
fixing it up. I devoured magazines and books for inspiration for our
country house, collecting, editing, and then editing again — I was
obsessed. It was the first whole-house project of our own, and we poured
our heart and soul into it . Modern-country style has always been more a
feel for me than a look. It's about casual and easy, no rules and no worries, and typically includes some patina somewhere. It's is one of my favorite styles, and one that can work all sorts of locations.

Whitewashed wood, barnwood, exposed beams and wood paneling
are all elements of country modern, but to go modern country, it's all
about how you mix it up. Here you've
got modern industrial pendant lights, sleek flat-panel cabinets, modern
bar stools and open shelves. Everything about this kitchen is iconic
modern country.

Modern country is often a study in contrasts: a rustic farm table
mixed with sleek white dining chairs, a headboard ceiling and exposed
beams mixed with modern pendants and fan. Another indicator is a clear
lack of clutter. The look is restrained and minimal rather than
overstuffed.

This built-in hood reminiscent of the plaster hoods from French
country farmhouses, and stunning barn-wood ceiling contrasts with a
modern tile backsplash and industrial style pendants for a total
show-stopper.

The thing about the term "eclectic" is that it often can go either
way. This kitchen is a great example... It's got a modern-country feel
even though there's really nothing uber-modern about any of its
elements.